Program Overview

Use theatre and performance as powerful tools for social change, whether it's bringing historic events to life in museums or working with local councils or the NHS to highlight new health initiatives.

If you're looking to build on your undergraduate degree, and want to use the tools of drama to make a positive difference to the world, then this Master's degree in Theatre, which focuses on Socially Engaged Practice, is the ideal choice for you.

You'll explore methods and techniques for using drama in the community, such as in youth groups, mental health support settings, schools, museums, and centres for older people and those with illnesses.

You'll get practical experience in the community, building a portfolio of work you can showcase to employers when you graduate.

By focusing on using drama as a community-building tool, you'll learn how to use your dramatic skillset in a new context, opening  doors in your career, and helping you to make positive changes in society.

Course highlights

• Implement techniques from applied theatre, forum theatre, theatre for social change, and theatre for development within your own community
• Learn the ethics of applied theatre and work with different demographics
• Gain practical experience developing, leading and facilitating drama activities across different communities and groups
• Use the professional-grade equipment and facilities at White Swan Studios, including lighting equipment, costume and prop facilities, music practice rooms and musical instruments
• Engage with staff that have established connections to local community and heritage sites – you'll have a wide range of performance venues and audiences to choose from
• Attend monthly postgraduate seminars in theatre and performance, with invited guests from around the world
• Utilise digital storytelling equipment such as GoPro cameras and iPads
• Develop transferable skills and experience that will be invaluable in careers beyond theatre practice and teaching, such as science communication and cultural diplomacy